Leadership is an influence process, and ineffective leadership can destroy even the most successful organizations. It is true that some people are born with natural leadership skills; although, a good leader is made not born. With hard work and determination, anyone can become an effective leader. Leadership is a commitment. Effective leaders grow through a continuous process of training, education, self-assessments, and experience. Emotional intelligence also plays an important part in effective leadership. It is vital for a leader to continuously work towards reinventing themselves, in order to motivate their team and achieve a unified goal.
There are various styles of leadership; Situational Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Servant Leadership, Authentic Leadership, and each one uniquely contributes to leadership effectiveness in organizations. By studying the life and ministry of Jesus, one can observe many examples of each of these unique styles of leadership.
Situational Leadership Organizations are constantly changing and evolving, so it makes sense that a situational leadership approach would work for some organizations. This approach focuses on switching leadership methods to appropriately fit the situation; in other words, the leader will adapt his or her style to the demands of various circumstances that may occur on the workplace. Situational leadership uses both a directive and a supportive aspect, and a leader must know when to apply these behaviors and at what levels. “Directive behaviors help group members accomplish goals by giving directions, establishing goals and methods of evaluations, setting timelines, defining roles, and showing how the goals are to be achieved” (Northouse, 2004, p.94). These behaviors mostly require clarifications through one-way communication, what needs to get done, who needs to get it done, and how it needs to get done (Northouse, 2004). In order to help group members feel comfortable about themselves, their coworkers, and their situation, a supportive behavior is sometimes necessary. “Supportive behaviors involve two way communication and responses that show social and emotional support to others” (Northouse, 2004, p. 94). Some examples of this behavior include, providing sympathy and support when the person is anxious or upset, being helpful and patient when delegating or giving instructions or explanations, and conveying confidence in the person when they are taking on a difficult task. Furthermore, asking for input, problem solving, commending others, sharing information about oneself, and listening, are all examples of supportive behaviors (Northouse, 2004). These behaviors allow employees to feel like they are valuable, and this appeals to their intrinsic values. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He demonstrated many different behaviors. Jesus led and developed his team of 12 apostles by understanding their unique personalities and behaviors. He guided them when they had no knowledge, directed them when they were unable to think clearly, persuaded them when they were hesitant, and encouraged them when they were discouraged. After pouring himself into them, he gave them specific tasks and responsibilities and then worked side by side with them, guiding them through their personal ministry. Jesus believed in the abilities of these men, even when they may have doubted themselves (Cousland, 2012). According to Northouse 2010, situational leadership has its limitations. Only a few research studies have been conducted in order to determine if this approach to leadership is truly effective. The lack of research raises some questions: Is it a valid approach? How does it compare to other leadership theories? These questions cannot be answered without sufficient published research (p.100). …show more content…
It may come more naturally to some than to others, but anyone can learn to be a servant leader. This style is considered self-contradictory and altruistic because the leader becomes the servant and places the well being of the followers over their own interests. Servant leaders demonstrate a strong moral behavior toward their followers. Robert K. Greenleaf came up with the term servant leadership after reading a novel called The Journey to the East. The story involves a group of travelers who bring along a servant in order to help them with routine chores. This servant works humbly and encourage the group through his positive spirit and his songs. When the servant becomes lost, the travelers are not able to continue with the journey. The servant had emerged as a leader by his selfless actions towards the group of travelers (Northouse,
There are various styles of leadership; Situational Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Servant Leadership, Authentic Leadership, and each one uniquely contributes to leadership effectiveness in organizations. By studying the life and ministry of Jesus, one can observe many examples of each of these unique styles of leadership.
Situational Leadership Organizations are constantly changing and evolving, so it makes sense that a situational leadership approach would work for some organizations. This approach focuses on switching leadership methods to appropriately fit the situation; in other words, the leader will adapt his or her style to the demands of various circumstances that may occur on the workplace. Situational leadership uses both a directive and a supportive aspect, and a leader must know when to apply these behaviors and at what levels. “Directive behaviors help group members accomplish goals by giving directions, establishing goals and methods of evaluations, setting timelines, defining roles, and showing how the goals are to be achieved” (Northouse, 2004, p.94). These behaviors mostly require clarifications through one-way communication, what needs to get done, who needs to get it done, and how it needs to get done (Northouse, 2004). In order to help group members feel comfortable about themselves, their coworkers, and their situation, a supportive behavior is sometimes necessary. “Supportive behaviors involve two way communication and responses that show social and emotional support to others” (Northouse, 2004, p. 94). Some examples of this behavior include, providing sympathy and support when the person is anxious or upset, being helpful and patient when delegating or giving instructions or explanations, and conveying confidence in the person when they are taking on a difficult task. Furthermore, asking for input, problem solving, commending others, sharing information about oneself, and listening, are all examples of supportive behaviors (Northouse, 2004). These behaviors allow employees to feel like they are valuable, and this appeals to their intrinsic values. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He demonstrated many different behaviors. Jesus led and developed his team of 12 apostles by understanding their unique personalities and behaviors. He guided them when they had no knowledge, directed them when they were unable to think clearly, persuaded them when they were hesitant, and encouraged them when they were discouraged. After pouring himself into them, he gave them specific tasks and responsibilities and then worked side by side with them, guiding them through their personal ministry. Jesus believed in the abilities of these men, even when they may have doubted themselves (Cousland, 2012). According to Northouse 2010, situational leadership has its limitations. Only a few research studies have been conducted in order to determine if this approach to leadership is truly effective. The lack of research raises some questions: Is it a valid approach? How does it compare to other leadership theories? These questions cannot be answered without sufficient published research (p.100). …show more content…
It may come more naturally to some than to others, but anyone can learn to be a servant leader. This style is considered self-contradictory and altruistic because the leader becomes the servant and places the well being of the followers over their own interests. Servant leaders demonstrate a strong moral behavior toward their followers. Robert K. Greenleaf came up with the term servant leadership after reading a novel called The Journey to the East. The story involves a group of travelers who bring along a servant in order to help them with routine chores. This servant works humbly and encourage the group through his positive spirit and his songs. When the servant becomes lost, the travelers are not able to continue with the journey. The servant had emerged as a leader by his selfless actions towards the group of travelers (Northouse,